Ivan Pavlykivskyi

One of the residents of the shelter is the well-known searcher and public figure of the Carpathians, Ivan Pavlykivskyi.

He was actively involved in the legalization of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and contributed to the creation of the Ivano-Frankivsk Cultural and Scientific Society “Rukh.” Mr. Ivan spent over 30 years excavating mass burial sites of victims of political repression under the communist regime, particularly in Dmyanovyi Lazi, on the outskirts of Ivano-Frankivsk.

At the age of 90, he has a sharp mind and enjoys sharing stories from his life. From a young age, Ivan Yuriyovych was raised as a patriot, as his father was a Sich Rifleman. He recalls how his family was deported to Siberia and the hardships they endured. During those years, 13 men from his family perished. Later, there was a 10-year exile in Zelenyi Klyn.

“All my life has been a struggle. The first time I was beaten as a child was because I attached the Ukrainian trident to my cap. Then came the interrogations by the NKVD, four times. After that, I fought against the KGB, as I found a team of like-minded people with whom we organized a church revolution in the Carpathians in 1989,” recalls the man.

For his active involvement in public life, Ivan was recognized with numerous church awards, certificates, and medals, including “For Labor and Valor” and “For Services to the Carpathians.” He also wrote a book titled “On the Roads of Fate: A Chronicle of the 20th Century. Memoirs,” where he detailed his life journey full of struggles.

Despite all the trials he had to endure, Ivan Yuriyovych is grateful to God for the strength and perseverance, and for the opportunity to serve his country. He also expresses his gratitude to all those who supported him along the way. He thanks the people who created the conditions for him to live his old age in peace and dignity.